The flooding death toll, unleashed by an unusually potent Mediterranean storm named Daniel, has left an additional 10,100 individuals unaccounted for in this Mediterranean city.
In the aftermath of a catastrophic flooding event triggered by the breaching of two dams amidst heavy rains, the flooding death toll in Libya’s coastal city of Derna has tragically surged to an astonishing 11,300, the Libyan Red Crescent reported on Thursday
The grim flooding death toll far surpasses initial estimates of 5,500 casualties, highlighting the severity of the disaster. The catastrophe unfolded on Sunday night when torrential waters cascaded through the city, wiping out entire families, and revealing the fragility of infrastructure in this oil-rich nation ensnared in a decade-long conflict. The storm claimed approximately 170 lives in other parts of Libya. Startlingly, the collapse of two 1970s-era dams outside Derna has sparked debates about maintenance negligence, with €2 million allocated for upkeep in 2012 and 2013 left unutilized.
Prime Minister Abdul-Hamid Dbeibah has called for an urgent investigation into the dam collapse. Meanwhile, a rare moment of unity has emerged as government agencies across Libya mobilize relief efforts. The Tobruk-based government leads the relief mission, while the Tripoli-based government allocates substantial funds for reconstruction. The international community has also extended a helping hand, with Italy, Egypt, Algeria, Tunisia, and the United States offering assistance.
In Derna, the flooding death toll has begun, with over 3,000 bodies interred, and 2,000 more awaiting processing
Yet, the flooding death toll could be much higher, possibly exceeding 20,000 lives lost, according to local officials. Thousands of survivors are displaced, and access roads to Derna remain severely damaged, hampering the arrival of aid and rescue teams. The United Nations has issued an emergency appeal for $71.4 million to aid 250,000 affected Libyans, with approximately 884,000 residents living in flood-affected areas. The International Committee of the Red Cross has supplied essential resources to assist stricken communities. International aid has started to arrive, offering a glimmer of hope amid this heartbreaking tragedy.